Language Arts Classes Will Change for 2009

The state will adopt new elementary and middle school language arts curriculums in 2009-10, and the school systems in Richmond and Columbia counties are getting prepared.

The school systems have selected committee members to review classroom materials that will support the new curriculums.

“All we’re doing this year is looking at materials, and they would be implemented next year,” said Lauren Williams, the Columbia County school system associate superintendent of student learning.

She said elementary and middle school committees, which include teachers, administrators and parents from county schools, will look for materials that align with the Georgia Performance Standards, a more rigorous curriculum that is being phased. This curriculum requires pupils to apply concepts and higher-order thinking skills rather than recall memorized facts.

“One thing we’re really looking at is meeting students where they are,” Dr. Williams said, whether they are gifted or struggling.

The learning resources that are under review are on display at the Richmond County Board of Education building, 864 Broad St., Augusta.

“The books are set up for any teachers, principals and parents who want to come by, and it’s going to be there through the end of the month,” said Louis Svehla, the Richmond County school system public information director.

Michele Sherman, the Columbia County director of elementary student learning, said committee members have reviewed the materials that are on display in Richmond County. She said they want to adopt new materials that focus on reading, writing and grammar.

She also said the committees, which will undergo six days of training to enable them to select materials, will look at test data analyses to measure the school system’s needs and to determine how the textbooks can help the system achieve its goals.

She said adopting materials that will improve Criterion- Referenced Competency Test scores and help the school system meet federal standards, or adequate yearly progress, is one of the school system’s objectives.

The state reviews learning resources for particular subjects and recommends a list of materials in six-year cycles.

Reach Betsy Gilliland at (706) 868-1222, ext. 113, or betsy.gilliland@augustachronicle.com.

Originally published by Betsy Gilliland Columbia County Bureau.

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